Your Common App essay is more than just a requirement—it’s your chance to speak directly to college admissions teams, reveal your character, and bring your application to life.
But too many students unknowingly sabotage their essays with common mistakes. In this guide, we’ll explore how to write a Common App essay that avoids these traps and leaves a lasting impression.
📌 What Is the Common App Essay?
The Common Application essay is a 650-word personal statement submitted to more than 900 colleges across the U.S. It’s your opportunity to show who you are beyond GPA and test scores.
✍️ There are seven Common App essay prompts to choose from, ranging from personal growth stories to intellectual curiosities. You’ll pick one and craft an essay that reflects your identity, values, and perspective.
🚫 10 Common Mistakes in the Common App Essay (And How to Avoid Them)
1️⃣ Writing What You Think Colleges Want to Hear
🛑 Mistake: Crafting a “safe” story full of clichés or what sounds impressive.
✅ Fix: Be real. Admissions officers are trained to spot generic writing. Your unique story is what stands out.
2️⃣ Listing Achievements Instead of Telling a Story
🎓 They already know your resume.
✅ Fix: Use the essay to show how those achievements shaped your character.
3️⃣ Choosing Overused Common App Essay Topics
Common essay topics—like sports victories or mission trips—can feel tired unless you offer a fresh perspective.
💡 If it’s a familiar story, make sure your reflection is what makes it stand out.
➡️ Read expert advice on overused college essay topics
4️⃣ Focusing Too Much on Other People
🚫 Your mentor might be amazing—but the essay isn’t about them.
✅ Fix: Share how you were impacted, what you learned, and what you did differently.
5️⃣ Using Overly Complicated Language
“Henceforth, I embarked upon an academic exploration…”
That’s not your voice. That’s a thesaurus flex.
✅ Fix: Write like yourself—clear, honest, and natural.
6️⃣ Ignoring the Word Limit
📝 Common App essay word count: 250–650 words
Most successful essays fall between 600–650 words.
✅ Fix: Respect the space—use it well. Don’t underwrite or overwrite.
7️⃣ Skipping Proofreading and Revisions
Typos, grammar issues, or awkward flow can ruin a great story.
✅ Fix: Read your essay out loud. Ask someone you trust to review it. Better yet—use a real human editor (hi from Cram Support! 👋)
8️⃣ Letting AI Write It for You
AI tools can brainstorm, but they can’t replicate your authentic voice or lived experience.
✅ Fix: Use tools to help organize ideas—but write the essay yourself.
❗Note: Many colleges now use detection tools to identify AI-generated content.
9️⃣ Not Answering the Prompt Clearly
Don’t go off-topic or assume the admissions reader will infer your point.
✅ Fix: Reference the Common App essay questions and make sure every paragraph connects back.
🔟 Submitting a First Draft
“Good essays are not written. They are rewritten.” – College Essay Guy
✅ Fix: Plan time for multiple drafts. The first version is just your jumping-off point.
📏 How Long Is the Common App Essay?
🔹 Word limit: 650 words max
🔹 Minimum: 250 words
🔹 Ideal length: 600–650 words
Still wondering how many words is the Common App essay? Stick to the upper range—you want to make the most of this opportunity.
🧠 Tips for Writing a Good Common App Essay
✅ Hook your reader from the first sentence
✅ Reflect on your experience, don’t just narrate
✅ Focus on one idea or story
✅ Connect it to your values or goals
✅ Write in your authentic voice
📚 Want Inspiration? Check Out Our Comprehensive Collection of Common App Essay Examples
We’ve curated a complete set of 10 examples to help you understand what works—and what doesn’t—in the Common App essay. This collection includes 5 good common app essay examples that showcase authentic storytelling, deep personal reflection, and a distinctive voice, alongside 5 bad common app essays that highlight common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid. Each example comes with a detailed review, providing clear insights and analysis to guide you in crafting your own winning essay.
🛠 Need Help with Your Essay?
At Cram Support, we don’t just edit—we also offer full-service writing support. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need help polishing your draft, we’ve got your back.
✅ What we offer:
✍️ Plagiarism-free, custom-written Common App essays tailored to your story and voice
🧠 Personalized guidance on choosing the right topic
🔍 Detailed editing and proofreading by real human editors
🔄 Unlimited revisions until you’re 100% satisfied
⏱ Quick turnaround for approaching deadlines
🎓 All essays are written from scratch—original, ethical, and confidential.
👉 Place an Order Now or email us at hello@cramsupport.com
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